Ford YT16

[acaldwell]

Hello, in an effort to eliminate the belt as the issue, I purchased a new 48 in belt and installed it as it's installed in the diasgram above. That did not resolve the issue as I am still not having any luck getting the deck blades to move for any period of time. With the new belt, as soon as I flip the PTO switch the blades move about one revolution before the mower shuts off. Is it possible that I have the wrong size deck belt and it's too tight? The deck belt I installed after the original one broke is 5/8 x 96".

 

[1985Eagle]

My YT18 Ford tractor with the 48" mower deck calls for a 5/8" X 48" belt. Do you have the tension spring hooked to the tension pulley bracket and also to the slot in the Mower deck?

 

[acaldwell]

My YT18 Ford tractor with the 48" mower deck calls for a 5/8" X 48" belt. Do you have the tension spring hooked to the tension pulley bracket and also to the slot in the Mower deck?

Yes, the tension spring is attached to both the tension pulley bracket and the mower. In the previous post I inquired about the deck belt and whether it could be the source of the issue if it's too tight. I replaced the original broken belt with a 5/8 x 96 belt.
Lol, actually that was the original issue, as soon as I got it home the dck belt broke and I ne

 

[1985Eagle]

View attachment 319483


I am attaching a diagram from my manual look at it and see if the mower decks are the same. I would think a 96" Belt would be for the Blade pulleys. I know that mine uses the 5/8" X 48" from the engine pulley to the blade drive pulley. I changed mine last week. If you could post a photo of your deck it would help.

 

[acaldwell]

Thanks for the patience and sorry for the confusion, I am obviously using the wrong lingo. In ref to the 5/8 x 96 inch, I was talking about the one onwith the blade pulleys. Thus far I've installed two new belts, a 5/8 x 48 one that I installed on the mower and the 5/8 x 96 belt that I installed on the blade pulleys. Will send photos of the dec and mower tomorrow.

 

[1985Eagle]

No problem I enjoy solving problems.

I should say trying to solve problems.

 

[acaldwell]

Hello 1985 Eagle, I finally resolved the issue with the mower blades not turning on my YT16 when I flip the PTO switch. Apparently one the deck spindles was locked up due to bad bearings, despite being able to move them earlier with my hand. I went to the local Tractor Supply store, picked up a new spindle, installed it, and now I'm good to go. I included a photo of the deck that includes the new spindle, if I had been able to find the others spindles, I would've replaced them all.

All the rumors about it's cutting prowess were correct, it provides a very smooth cut, which rival that of my JD 455AWS. BTW, I got the thing fixed, cut grass for about 30 minutes, and then it started raining. Bummer!!

Thanks for all the help. I now need to tackle the brakes/clutch, as it not stoppping the mower as it's coming down a hill. Then I will address the lights, at the moment they don't turn on.

 

[1985Eagle]

There is an adjustment for the brake. No big deal. Good luck.

 

[acaldwell]

Finally, something easy.

 

[toppop52]

I found a YT16 with no deck for $250, in decent shape, I just sold my MF1855 and bought a smaller 18 h.p. Wizard garden tractor, similar to the Craftsman GT6000 of the 90's. I was thinking of buying the Ford as it's a bit longer wheelbase than the AYP/Wizard and appears more heavy duty. I'm going to look at it and see what I find. It would be a utility tractor and no need for a deck.

 

[acaldwell]

It's a very sturdy little tractor and seems to have ample power to pull attachments, so far my only issue has been that it needs a little more weight in the rear end, I find myself having to lean to one side or another to climb hills.

 

[finkstr]

Is it possible to post a close-up picture of the idler pulley tension spring installation? I inherited a YT 16 from my neighbor and it's missing the spring. Assuming that I can find one, how is it installed? There is nothing obvious for it to hook on to. HELP!?

 

[acaldwell]

Hi sure, I can post a picture later this evening. The spring is installed via the two hooks on the spring, one goes into a little slot in the frame of the mower deck and the other connects to a little notch under the pulley. Sorry it took so long to get back with you, I was really busy at work and was coming home after dark.

 

[finkstr]

Hi sure, I can post a picture later this evening. The spring is installed via the two hooks on the spring, one goes into a little slot in the frame of the mower deck and the other connects to a little notch under the pulley. Sorry it took so long to get back with you, I was really busy at work and was coming home after dark.

Thanks! I really appreciate it!

 

[acaldwell]

Thanks! I really appreciate it!

Attached are a few photos of the spring attached to the mower deck and the underside of the pulley.

 

[finkstr]

PERFECT! Thanks again.

 

[acaldwell]

Is anyone familar with the YT16 transmission? I finished cutting grass yesterday, turned it off to clean it but when I turned it back on and put it in gear it wouldn't move. I tried all of the the gears, any thoughts as to what it be?
I was gonna check the transmission fluid but didn's see where I coud check it. Weird how it was running and cutting fine but suddenly won't move.

 

[Broken spindle Ford YT 16]

Hi, I own a YT 16 H. I bought it new back in 1990. It has been a reliable, great running mower for me over the years. Recently the left hand spindle broke and I am searching for a replacement part. I know one must exist somewhere. Can anyone help me out ?

 

[acaldwell]

Hi,
A few months ago I had to replace one of my spindles because the bearings were bad. I removed the spindle and matched it with one at my local Tractor Supply store. Good luck and hope you're able to find a replacement.

 

[graphite1326]

I need to replace the blade drive belt for my 48" mower deck. I went to my New Holland dealer and got the correct belt. I can't get it on. It seems too short. I have it on the drive pulley and around the reversed pulley (whatever that is called) and then the long distance to the last pulley but it just barely goes over the nut let alone the pulley itself. And yes I have it in the correct order. Is there a trick to putting this on?